AN accused man has appeared in Warrnambool court charged with punching, stomping on and smashing a victim to the head with a claw hammer. The victim caused a disturbance in Hamilton’s Kenna Avenue about 9pm last Thursday, which led to a confrontation with a resident armed with a claw hammer. Police said the victim was struck to the left side of his head with the hammer, fell to the road surface, was screaming "don't hit me" and covering his head with his hands. His head was then stomped on before he was punched and left lying unconscious in the street. The victim suffered a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain as well as bruising to his head and back. Neighbours have told police how they heard the blows being landed during the assault. When police arrived at the scene, the victim had regained consciousness and was staggering down the street. While covered in blood, he continually abused officers before being taken to the Hamilton Base Hospital. The victim recalls being hit but the next thing he remembers is waking up in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He is now back at his mother's home recovering. A 19-year-old Hamilton man has been charged with assault-related offending and been remanded in custody until July 23. Anyone with information about the assault is requested to contact Hamilton police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.